Adam Schein predicts each conference's rep in New Jersey -- and picks a winner. (Popular opinion need not apply.)
More ...

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access" that the injured quarterback is viewed as unlikely to be ready for Week 1, according to several sources involved in the situation.

Given the controversy that came with Rex Ryan's decision to play Sanchez in the fourth quarter against the Giants, the quarterback's "day to day" designation feels like the Jets' way of playing down the seriousness of an injury that easily was avoidable.

Either way, the door now is wide open for Smith. The rookie is a safe bet to hold onto the starting job if he can lead the team without calamity against the Bucs. We'll see about that.